History

Mission: The History Program is committed to providing effective instruction and advisement for undergraduate students, to providing appropriate academic services to the University and the community, and to supporting faculty research and publications, in accordance with the University’s mission and core values. The program offers the B.A. degree with two emphasis: US History with an emphasis on African American history and Teacher Certification preparation.

The program prepares students for admittance into graduate programs at leading universities and for employment in jobs related to the academic field of history, especially in public education. In addition, the department offers courses for disciplinary focus areas for education majors, interdisciplinary minors, and liberal arts majors.

Student Learning Outcomes:

History graduates will be able to explain basic methodological concepts that help historians assemble, organize, evaluate, and interpret evidence.

History graduates will demonstrate significant knowledge of major events and trends in United States and African American history.

History graduates will be able to effectively identify and communicate historical arguments based on common ideals and themes in the field of history.

History graduates will be able to conduct basic historical research in primary source materials, provide original interpretation of sources, and provide accurate referencing for all sources.

History graduates will be aware of the contrasts between peoples of different times and places and display a sense of informed perspective and chronology.

For more information, please contact Dr. Ronald Goodwin at regoodwin@pvamu.edu or (936) 261-3208.

Web Society Members at the 2015 Texas State Historical Society Meeting.

* Law School – The number of students applying to law school have increased during the last couple of decades. History is an excellent major for undergraduates who plan to pursue a law degree. Knowledge of history is assumed in law schools. Students with a history degree not only gain valuable knowledge of the past, but they also learn how to research and write—valuable skills for successfully completing a law degree.

* Teaching – Teachers are some of the most important people in our society. Teachers help shape young minds in the most crucial years of adolescence development. History is a terrific major for those who are seeking employment as a secondary teacher. Students often ask, “What can I do with a degree in history?” Most students are aware that they can use their degree to teach, but few are aware of the other possible career choices associated with a degree in history. In brief, a student can use their Bachelor’s degree in history in the following ways:

* Public History and Historical Preservation– These are some of the fastest growing fields in the nation, and many history majors find employment in these areas. Museums, historical societies, national parks, official historic sites, and tourism bureaus all need employees with knowledge of history. Scholarly presses hire employees with history degrees as sale representatives, editors, copy editors, and researchers. Libraries, archives, state and local historical societies, and government offices all hire people with history degrees. In recent years, there has been an effort to save historical landmarks, leading to a growth of historical preservation societies and organizations that are looking for qualified employees to protect the nation’s cultural and physical heritage.

* Christian Ministry– Most students believe that if you want to go into the ministry, you need to major in religious studies. These students are partly correct because students will have to attend divinity school, but some divinity schools actually prefer undergraduate study in some other discipline to develop breadth of mind needed for a successful ministry. History works well for this purpose.

* Communication – History majors are well prepared in the art of communication. The field of communication has exploded in the twenty-first century. With the introduction of internet, hundreds of cable channels, and a variety of other new technologies, employment opportunities will continue to grow for those who not only know how to say something, but who also have something to say. Movies, television programs, news programs, newspapers, and magazines all require people with solid communication and research skills. A degree in history are especially suited for these areas.

* Government - Federal, state, and local governments are the largest employers in the United States. Government agencies are looking for graduates skilled in critical thinking, research, communications, and with an understanding of how the system works. History majors have an advantage over other applicants in that these skills are essential to earning a history degree.

* Business and Industry– A myth often instilled into students is that a business degree is necessary for a job in business and industry. If you accounting, finance, and marketing, then a business degree is probably the path that you should follow. However, keep in mind that most corporations hire people who are independent thinkers who know how to find information and apply it to the tasks associated with the position held by their employees. Many companies want people who have knowledge of other countries and other cultures. A history degree prepares students to fit these job requirements. Corporations will train their employees to handle their corporate jobs—they do the same for business majors—so it is not absolutely necessary to earn a business degree if you want to enter the corporate world. History is an excellent discipline for those students who are interested in business.

* Limitless Opportunities- Careers for history majors are only limited by students’ own imagination. You can visit with any history professor who has taught for a number of years and they will share with you that they know history majors who became artists, small business owners, military officers, insurance agents, bankers, politicians, restaurateurs, lobbyists, archivists, doctors, musicians, city planners, architects, writers, newspaper editors, physical therapists, professional athletes, high school coaches, social workers, travel agents, corporate historians, and the list goes on.

In essence, the answer is simple.

“You can became a leader of your society who is well educated, interesting, informed, reasonable, and employed!”

Bibliography

Robert F. Pace, “I would like to major in history, but . . . What Can I Do When I Graduate”